James: Hello, this is James reporting live from the Etihad Stadium, where we’ve got some lovely cup football to share with you on this very fine afternoon. I’m joined by my long-time colleague, John, and John, I certainly have to say, we are in for a treat today, aren’t we?
John: James, the story of the day is obviously the return of Owen Hargreaves to first-team football after over three years of injury problems. City Manager Mancini is certainly quite keen to use the midfield enforcer, who featured so regularly and starred so brightly for Sven Goran-Eriksson’s England squad.
James: He certainly fit in well with living and walking England legends Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard, that’s for sure. However, assuming a brilliant performance today, how would he fit into Fabio Capello’s current squad?
John: Excellent question. Well, obviously, Jack Wilshere’s name is written in pen into any starting eleven, barring injury, mind you. However, I believe Hargreaves could offer a bit of stiff competition for club mate Gareth Barry and also Scott Parker.
James:It should certainly be fascinating to watch this tale unfold before our very eyes. Scott Parker has certainly looked ever so solid at Tottenham, while Barry has become a fixture for City in big matches. Do you really see Hargreaves taking either of their places at the European Championships?
John: Well, James, for the sake of argument, one could point out Barry’s somewhat disappointing World Cup 2010 performance, when England failed to win the tournament. He also struggled to really gel with living and walking legends Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard. I’m sure Fabio Capello hasn’t forgotten the disappointment of that bitter defeat to Germany.
James:Very true. We can only hope that the Three Lions can learn from those mistakes and roar back to life at the upcoming European Championships. So, if I understand your point correctly, do you think Hargreaves could be the missing link to a championship caliber side? He certainly performed quite well for United in their semi-final with Barcelona a few years back.
John: A very astute observation, James. Assuming a return to full fitness, I really think the timing has lined up almost perfectly for a brilliant return to the national side for Hargreaves. And I’m sure Fabio Capello is watching with especially keen interest. And, if I may be so forward, I think Hargreaves could even pip a spot in the Three Lions starting lineup at the European Championships, if all goes well of course.
James:I can certainly say that England fans still recall his well struck penalty kick against Portugal in the 2006 World Cup, even if it was in a losing effort. It really does compare quite favorably to a recent Wayne Rooney effort, and of course the John Terry mishit from a prior Champions League final. Now, John, if I may be so forthright, let’s posit that in the final match of the European Championships, the Three Lions were to play out a fierce 1-1 draw with the likes of Spain or Italy. Let’s also posit that Joe Hart has gotten his fingertips to a penalty kick or two, entirely plausible given his scorching form as of late. In that pressure-packed fifth shooter position, for the win, who do you pick?
John: Well, as in-form as Wayne Rooney has been, I’m not so sure he’s the man given his recent flub. I mean, we all know he has the confidence to bounce back from such an embarrassing miss, but in such a crucial and stressful moment, you can’t really run out a player with doubts creeping in the back of his mind, can you? And Owen Hargreaves certainly powered home a glorious penalty kick against Portugal’s keeper Ricardo. Maybe Hargreaves is the man for the job. Perhaps there’s a case that, even if he’s not quite 90 minutes fit, Hargreaves could be an extra-time sub for such an occasion. Your thoughts?
James: John, I understand your point, but certainly Capello has to take his chances and try to win the final in extra-time. Penalty kicks are a bit of a lottery. If you have a Jermaine Defoe or a Peter Crouch with fresh legs on the bench, you’d be kicking yourself if you don’t give it an honest go and luck runs out during penalties. You have to use that extra-sub to bring on a striker and go for gold.
John: James, I’m afraid I disagree. Smalling and Jones are young lads, and they’d probably be gassed after playing almost 120 minutes of football at the end of a tournament, especially against the likes of Spain or Italy.A midfield shield like Hargreaves certainly would help lift some pressure off them. I believe that penalties would certainly be better than losing to a backbreaking goal in extra time.
James:John, I’m afraid we’ll just have to agree to disagree and see how Fabio Capello handles the situation. I would expect a positive approach, especially after his AC Milan side ran rampant in that European Cup final over Barcelona several years back. While known for his defensive prowess, the Italian is a shrewd tactician who knows how to grab an opportunity when it knocks.
John: Well, James, it appears that the game is already well under way and, um, Buckingham is having an early go against favorites Manchester City.
James: And it appears Hargreaves was a game time scratch after pulling his hamstring during warmups.
Related posts:
